When is Annual Conference?

Our Annual Conference Session will be held on September 12, 2020. We will begin at 9:00 a.m. We will begin with Opening Worship and will proceed to conference business. The Business Session will end at approximately 1:30 p.m. Commissioning and Ordination will be held at 3:30 p.m. via livestream on the westohioumc.org and Facebook Live (be sure to follow West Ohio Conference).

What is the theme of our Annual Conference?

Our theme was selected FOUR YEARS ago: Be Not Afraid, God is with us. If ever we have had a perfect theme for the year, this is it!

Do I have to register for Annual Conference?

YES, however it closed on August 12 at 11:00 p.m. Should you have questions, please contact your district office or Tim McCoy at tmccoy [at] wocumc.org or by phone at: 614-505-7413.

What does virtual conference mean?

We live in interesting times. Fortunately, technology has given us an opportunity to meet virtually even when face-to-face options are no longer possible. This year, we will be utilizing Zoom Webinar. This platform will allow us to meet, vote, ask questions and complete the business of the annual conference.

What is the difference between Zoom and Zoom Webinar?

Many local churches have used Zoom for Bible Studies and staff meetings. Zoom Webinar is different! While Zoom Webinar will allow our 2,000+ members to participate from the comfort of their own homes, there is a difference in how one participates. Because it would be overwhelming for most people to see 2,000+ tiny pictures of our participants, you will see only the panelists --- or presenters. You will still be able to ask questions, debate and vote.

This is all new to me. It sounds complicated. What do I have to do in order to participate?

Great question! BE NOT AFRAID. This is new to many of us. There is help! Training will be provided. Please mark your calendar for September 9 with one session at 12:00 p.m. and another at 6:00 p.m. Each session will last 90 minutes. We HIGHLY recommend this training. You may select your training time slot when you register for conference.

Can I share a computer to participate in the virtual annual conference?

No, each person participating must use their own computer, laptop, mobile device or phone.

How will we vote?

In August, you will receive an email from the conference office. It will include a voter identification number and a link to the September 12 annual conference session.

What if we do not have internet service?

No worries! We will provide a phone-in option which includes voting.

What about the conference offering?

The conference offering will go toward COVID-19 Response through UMCOR and the West Ohio Conference. The offering will be divided equally. UMCOR COVID-19 Fund—Funds are used to equip partners assisting vulnerable populations in the United States and around the world impacted by COVID-19. Grants will address pressing needs in the areas of health, food insecurity, water, sanitation and hygiene, and economic instability. West Ohio COVID-19 Fund—Congregations and ministries across West Ohio have been responding to emergent and continuing needs of their neighbors. Record numbers of people have requested food assistance along with other emergent needs. There is a disproportionate impact on people and communities of color and among those who are poor. Funds staying within West Ohio will be released to our congregations and ministries  to assist with their ongoing response. If you have any questions about the Annual Conference offering, please contact Dee Stickley-Miner at dstickley [at] wocumc.org. To donate go to website: www.westohioumc.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=101

I miss meeting with my colleagues and friends.

Trust me. We do, too! The Annual Conference Planning Team looked at several options including alternate and remote locations; watched numerous updates from the Centers of Disease Control and the Ohio Department of Health; spoke with several clergy and laity---not to mention time in prayer and discernment---before coming to the conclusion that a virtual conference was our best option. God is with us ALWAYS no matter where we meet, how we meet or even with whom we meet. This gives us peace.

GOT QUESTIONS?

We will continue to add more information so please check back often. If you have a question, please call (614) 844-6200.